The majority of this season, MacLean didn't use Condra's line to shutdown the top line of the opposition. For a player that is supposedly the best defensive forward, he is rarely utilized in a shutdown role.

In regards to playing against the Penguins. Condra had chemistry with Pageau and Greening. Pageau was one of the best players in the playoffs and was arguably the best player all series against Montreal. Greening was arguably the best player all series against the Penguins. Due to that line having chemistry and being consistent, MacLean gave them more ice time. They weren't really used in a shutdown role, they were used to create energy (and because our other lines weren't performing very well against the Penguins) to create some offence.

Like you said before, Condra is generally played against the other teams bottom six. He basically helps prevent the players who have a hard time scoring, from scoring.

keep in mind condra played the majority of the season with a ball and chain, in neil and smith, yet still had ridiculous possession numbers. that says a lot.